Should do better, bounceback candidates, emerging programs, etc

[Part_Bart]

Just to be clear: Trainers are an important part of any team, absolutely. If the team you follow has the services of a gifted trainer, it has a distinct advantage! Skilled trainers (e.g., http://www.nata.org) can speed up recovery from injury and its a very demanding job (I am happily married to one). But, trainers are not the people who do the strength and conditioning (e.g., https://www.cscca.org). Older folk like me might want to call these people weight lifting coaches. But, the science (and the sport-specificity) in this area have been leading to significant changes in athlete capacity (giving players the strength to kick the ball even further downfield, to Clotpoll's delight). Fifteen years ago it was rare for a soccer team to be doing weightlifting OUT of season, if at all. Today it would be very unusual for any competitive team to not be in the weight room several times a week in season, with a year-round lifting program in support of this effort.

[OldNed]

Haven't read everything in this thread but has St. Thomas been mentioned as a potential candidate for emerging programs? Went from 9-8-2 in 2014 to 12-7-1 and losing in the conference final in 2015 to 20-2-3 in 2016 and the Final 4. According to their website and schedule release, St. Thomas graduated six seniors but is expected return over 60% of their goal scoring and their top goalie. I think they can be considered an emerging team at this point.

Based on what you wrote, I think St. Thomas is a really good example of an emerging team.  In the New England area, I think one of the emerging teams is St. Joseph's of Maine.  When Coach Adrian Dubois took over in 2014, St. Joe's was 5-15.  With his first recruiting class in place, they finished 11-7-1 in 2015 and then 15-2-6 in 2016, winning their first NCAA game ever in PKs vs. Babson.  Not bad for a team playing mostly sophomores and freshmen in 2016.  They return 67% of their scoring from last year, but their core strength is their defense/goaltending.  If they can find more ways to score this year, they could be dangerous.  I'd like to see them beef up their schedule a little bit to include more of the traditional New England powerhouses, though.

[NEsoccerfan20]

I would look out for Endicott again this year... this has been a program slowly making strides over the past few seasons. Last year they played a ton of freshman and played the whole season without all-american CB Ocko and one of their key defensive midfielders. They are only graduating one starter (an important one in GK Weinstein). They are also bringing in 4 Academy kids who seemed to have succeeded at Oakwood. They play a pretty tough schedule again this season. If they can fill the GK void they will be very strong. The game I saw them play against Wentworth last year they won 2-0 and completely dominated. They should be the favorites to win the CCC this year... Calabrese has definitely turned this program around.

[4231CenterBack]

I agree on Endicott.  The last few years they have been a tournament quality team that hasn't made the tournament.  Weinstein was one of the better keepers in New England so he will tough to replace.  They also lose one defensive starter, but bring back all of their difference makers.  Along with Wentworth and Gordon they will be one of the favorites.  Assuming Ocko is 100% he is a big addition.  He's a physical and determined defender and his long throw is very dangerous.  Their 2015 team was the most talented team they have ever had but this year's could rival or surpass it.